“Trying is Cool”: How Rocketship Helped Me Become Me

Andre Ceballos, Rocketship Discovery Prep Alum

This fall, I’m heading to Sacramento State University to major in kinesiology—and I’m proud to say I’ll be the first male in my family to go to college.

I’ve been playing soccer since I was about seven years old, and funny enough, the first team I ever played for was coached by my old PE coach from Rocketship Discovery Prep. That kind of full-circle moment isn’t a coincidence: it’s what happens when you grow up in a tight-knit community like Rocketship. A place where people know you, believe in you, and want you to succeed.

From kindergarten through fifth grade, I was a Rocketeer at Rocketship Discovery Prep. We found out about the school from a flyer advertising a new charter school in the neighborhood with a lottery system. From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt like I belonged. I learned what it meant to be a leader; not just someone who takes charge, but someone who gives back and lifts others up. I learned that being yourself is your superpower, and that in the right community, you’ll be appreciated for exactly that.

Some of my best memories come from being one of Discovery Prep’s first student ambassadors. It was such an honor to help connect with families and support school events. I loved it so much, and it’s a big reason why I still value being involved and giving back to others. I also had incredible teachers and staff who made every day memorable. Ms. Prado, Ms. Matusich, and Ms. Abbott were my top three—they each helped guide me into becoming the best version of myself and made learning feel like fun. I even remember the cafeteria workers—everyone at RDP made an impact.

Rocketship was the first place I really started thinking about college. I didn’t know what it meant at the time, just that it sounded like a big deal. Now, as I get ready for my next four years at Sac State, I know that Rocketship gave me more than just a great education. It gave me the confidence to show up in the world as myself.

My advice to current Rocketeers? Keep going. No matter what direction life takes you, no matter who’s around you, no matter if you think you can or can’t—just keep going. Doors will close. That’s part of it. But don’t get stuck staring at the closed ones—look around. There’s always another one waiting to open. Trying is cool. You might not feel like you belong sometimes, but you do. You just have to commit.

And trust me—you’ve already got what it takes.

Published on mayo 22, 2025